For majority of consumers, auto insurance can cause confusion; there is an extremely wide range of insurance and it can be hard to recognize the kind of coverage you need to carry versus the kinds of coverage which you truly need to carry so as to shield yourself, but are not necessary.

How to Select Vehicle Insurance

When thinking of the amount of car insurance you need, it is ideal to carry out some study and discover what kind of insurance is needed by the state where you live.

Not each state needs similar rates of insurance. Some states need more kinds of insurance compared to others and states are different also, in regard to the quantity of coverage which is needed.

Therefore, be certain that you are aware of precisely what minimums are present in the state you reside. Also, you need to comprehend what varied kinds of insurance cover are present, so as to comprehend whether you require insurance coverage over and beyond the required minimum of the state you live.

Injuries are covered by bodily injury liability which you inflict on another person as you drive your car. In general, where this kind of coverage is concerned, it is normal to buy more than one; this is state minimums requirement (where you live), so as to shield your personal goods from being sued in case you cause harm to someone.

Personal injury protection popularly referred to as PIP or medical payments covers treatment of harm for the passengers and driver of the car. This kind of policy shall recompense lost wages and medical payments; this is determined by the rate of coverage.

Collision covers whatever destruction happens to your car in case of an accident, regardless of whether you are at fault. Obviously, a deductible shall be applicable. Your lender shall in overall, need this kind of coverage while you still have an outstanding loan on the car.

Comprehensive coverage caters for the loss of your car because of destruction by something, apart from a collision; for instance fire, theft, vandalism, natural disaster, etc.

Once more, your lender shall possibly need this coverage for a financial car. After your loan is repaid, you are the one to decide whether you desire to go on operating comprehensive and collision coverage.

Motorist coverage (uninsured and underinsured) can be useful in case you are involved in a hit and run or if someone hits you and they lack insurance or are underinsured.

When debating on the amount of insurance to take out, begin with the minimum quantity required by your state then ask yourself whether it is a requirement for you to take out any extra coverage because of lender requirements.

Keep in mind that however much we all wish we did not require insurance, in case we do, it can save on finances

Lastly, remember to weigh your options in regard to deductibles. Increasing your deductible can assist you to reduce your premiums and that can facilitate you taking out more insurance which is cheaper.

Simply ensure that you are able to fairly manage to pay the deductible in case you require utilizing it.

If you want to know more about car insurances you should give these sites a visit:

When it comes to a snowy road, not even tank tracks ensure 100% stability when driving at high speed, nor when swerving into a corner. There is a sensible increase in the number of accidents when the cold season sets in, and for good reason. Snow offers just a part of the traction gained on a dry road.

Combine this with speed and heavy braking and there you have it: your car slides out of control, eventually stopping into a snow bank, or worse, right into the rear bumper of another vehicle. Check out these countermeasures that will allow you to prevent, and ultimately regain control of a skidding vehicle when driving on snowy and icy roads.

Oversteer vs Understeer

There is almost impossible to attain perfect steering in dry conditions, not even mentioning low-grip roads. As a result, one of the two phenomena occurs when changing direction: your car will either understeer (turn less than required) or oversteer (turn in more than you desire, with the rear kicking out of the curb).

Between the two, understeer tends to happen more often and be harder to counteract. Usually, your car understeers on a slippery road when too much input is provided in a short span of time. Otherwise said, if you turn your steering wheel too quickly, the tyres will lose grip and start moving on a straight trajectory. To overcome understeering, point your view towards the direction you want to travel and then slowly steer towards the outside of the curb. Once the car is parallel with the desired trajectory, straighten the wheel and slowly apply throttle.

If you notice your car moving way too fast towards the center of the curb and the rear wheels start sliding towards the outside in an arch, you are oversteering. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this. Slowly steer into the curb until all four wheels are facing the same direction. This will increase grip and reduce peripheral spin of the rear axle. Once you’ve regained control, gradually steer towards the outside of the curb to regain a proper position on the road.

Whether your car is understeering or oversteering, there’s one particular issue you should really consider: don’t touch the brake pedal! Since your car is already sliding, wheels will lock instantly and cause complete loss of control.

Braking

In an ideal scenario, you shall be able to drive on winter roads without ever touching the brakes. But since we live in the real world, braking is inevitable at some point. Most modern cars feature at least an ABS (anti-lock braking system) that will prevent wheel locking upon braking. This way, you will be able to steer even when applying full brake power. Remember though to take turn the wheel slowly and steadily to avoid understeer or oversteer. Otherwise, your car will go sideways and ABS won’t help too much.

If you are driving a manual, learn how to use the motor brake. It’s highly effective on slippery roads and doesn’t lock your wheels. If you do however need to apply emergency braking, make sure you keep a straight trajectory and let the ABS computer do the rest for you.

More than a decade ago, 4×4 vehicles were built mainly to crush through off-road environments and then worry about driving on a flat, city road. This was the case of mythical monsters such as Land Rover and Jeep CJ: take no prisoners when running through the mud. As times advanced, automakers figured out the driver incline towards a high driving position on city roads. This is how crossovers were born.

Although looking quite sleek and offering a wide variety of safety and comfort features, modern day SUVs lack the capability of dealing with any off-road scenario that exceeds 5 inch deep mud. Since availability of older terrain vehicles is scarce, buyers orient their attention towards newly made cars which still possess the abilities of their ancestors. Toyota took a risky bet by offering an old school product: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is advertised to take on off-roading in the same rough manner as a Jeep CJ.

Was it worth the risk? Let’s find out together.

Construction and Design

The first thing that takes the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser out of the ordinary is a complete lack of factory options. This 3-row SUV comes with just one fully loaded trim level; nothing to be taken off or added. The whole frame rests over 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and fog lights illuminate the path at night while heated auto-dimming side-mirrors ensure proper rear visibility. After all, you do want to check out the tracks behind you while roaming the hills.

Automatic wipers clean a deep-tinted privacy glass; passengers can witness the moonlight and reach out through a generous sunroof. Checked from the distance, 2016 Land Cruiser looks bulky nevertheless, boasting an air of superiority and toughness.

Performance

A 5.7 liter V8 engine can be found under the hood of the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser. It delivers an impressive 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The entire force is delivered to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a permanent 4×4 traction system. While the numbers look amazing, you may just drop a tear finding out EPA estimates fuel economy at only 15mpg combined.

Apart from the engine, the Land Cruiser also comes with a center locking differential and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The suspension automatically tunes itself to maximize off-road performance and on-road handling. Drivers can also manually select a Terrain Control mode and the car will fine tune settings according to the current surface. Finally, there’s a 5-speed crawl control system, basically a low-speed cruise control for off-road time.

Interior and Safety

Fortunately, 2016 Land Cruiser isn’t just a show-off for off-road experiences; when checking out the inside, one will realize it is actually very user friendly. It boasts a 4-zone climate control with separated second row controls and vents for the third one. Front seats are covered in leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats. Power seating is available for the driver (10-way) and front passenger (8-way). Second row seats are split 40/20/40 while third row seating is allocated 50/50.

Toyota made quite some improvements for the 2016 Land Cruiser edition. Although boasting quality materials all over the inside of the cabin, it still lacks the premium feeling found in other luxury competitors. Tilting and height-adjustable steering wheel along with comfortable front seats are allowing the driver to attain the perfect driving position. Little is there to be praised about the seats on the third row. With little head and legroom, most average adults will have a hard time fitting in.

Toyota placed emphasis on safety features; the result uncovers as knee airbags, full-length curtain airbags, side airbags for the first and second row and active head restraints are all integrated in the 2016 Land Rover. Furthermore, it boasts anti-lock braking system, trailer-sway control (to keep control of an 8,000 pounds object being towed), emergency braking and lane-departure systems are also integrated.

Road Behavior

2016’s Toyota Land Cruiser offers a decent ride quality, enhanced by the quality materials chosen for the inside of the cabin. The V8 engine may seem a little soft at first, but once you firmly press the throttle, a nice rumble will erupt from beneath the hood. The newly added 8 speed automatic gearbox did develop some improvements in acceleration times, but it did not help on fuel economy.

Take it off the pavement and the Land Cruiser is king of the hill. Thanks to its high ground clearance and a full fleet of off-road driving aids, even the most inexperienced off-roader can feel like he’s able to tackle any rocks and hills without much trouble. Crawl control is probably doing most of the work, but hey, the feeling is what it matters in the end, right?

Insurance

Insuring a Toyota Land Cruiser can be costly. But the competition is steep and several companies provide affordable insurance on Toyotas in general and Land Cruisers:

The 2016 Land Cruiser is definitely a beast when it comes to off-road environment. It reveals the old-school take on what off-road vehicles used to be before they were entirely transformed into limping tarmac monsters called crossovers. While it definitely pleases through a decent amount of power and incredible rock climbing, mud swimming capabilities, Toyota still has a lot of work to do when it comes to fuel economy and storage space, both being way below the segment average. Also, since every available option is already included in the standard package, the Land Cruiser doesn’t come cheap, being almost the most expensive car in the segment. It’s $20,000 more expensive than Mercedes’ GL-Class and almost $18,000 more expensive than a Cadillac Escalade.

While city drivers looking for a heightened driving position behind the wheel may be drawn back by the sobbing fuel economy and reduced leg space on the third row, off-road enthusiasts will be willing to double their fuel budget in order to feel the awesome sensation of rock-climbing. No whining about lack of paint choices, limited cargo space or the usage of the almost-outdated electronic fuel injection, just pure wilderness driving without caring about any public road limitations.

Most people don’t think about a mechanic until their car starts acting funny or the lights on the dashboard start screaming at them. By then it is usually too late and once you get your car into the shop you will have any number of problems that require fixing. Generally speaking most people tend to go with the same mechanic that they have used before. This doesn’t mean sticking with the same mechanic is a bad idea but much like doctors, using a different mechanic may make a world of difference for your car. Knowing where and who to take your car too should be more than just choosing the closest shop to your house.

Reviews

Like any business mechanic shops get reviewed by their customers. This is especially beneficial when shopping around for a mechanic. Seeing how good or bad a potential mechanic shop is can make the difference between getting a lot of trouble and an expensive bill or quick and efficient service. Not all mechanic shops are created the same. Looking at online and consumer reviews will help weed out any potential problems. Also another good way is to ask friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else you trust who they recommend. Much like the reviews, recommendations can save a lot of time and money.

Type of car

Another thing to keep in mind is the make and model of the car. While most cars have a number of interchangeable parts, this isn’t always the case. Additionally certain cars require specialized servicing. This can be as simple as knowing where certain parts are located to a whole different knowledge base. Knowing if your car requires and/or if a shop can handle this before visiting can save the mechanic and yourself a major headache. This is especially true for older cars as finding certain parts may be more difficult for some mechanic shops than others. In the case of classic or vintage cars finding the right part can be all but impossible in some cases. This is especially true for a mechanic shop that isn’t familiar with these types of vehicles.

Conclusion

When everything is said and done, finding the right mechanic might take some time and a bit of trial and error. Once you do find a mechanic shop you are happy with you can rest easy knowing that your car is in good hands.

Everyone loves a classic car; whether is watching a high speed chase in Bullet or at a classic car rally vintage cars are a masterpiece all of their own. Owning one on the other hand is a whole other ball game. Owning and operating a vintage car is a lot different than a regular car.

Old vs vintage

What separates old cars from vintage cars is a thin line. What might be considered normal, everyday, or basic at the time might be a collector’s item down the road. Typically most cars do not end up with this distinction. Either because they are mass produced, are simply designed, or just don’t have that “it” factor. Whatever the reason only a handful of cars ever get the honor of being classified as vintage. This is becoming increasingly so with the mass produced, mass marketed approach most car manufacturers have regarding modern vehicles. While most cars nowadays will never be labeled as vintage those that are set the standard for all vintage cars everywhere.

Owning a vintage car

As mentioned above, owning a vintage car requires a whole different approach than with a standard car. There is a reason most of these vehicles are classified as “hobby cars.” They require far more dedication and firsthand knowledge of the vehicle. Additionally as these cars more often tend to be for showing instead of transportation there are a number of different factors to keep in mind with regular maintenance that you normally wouldn’t have to think about. For example, tire rot. When a vehicle sits for an extended period of time the rubber in the tires begins to break down. This is especially true for cars that are stored outside and exposed to the elements. The same is true for the paint finish on these types of vehicles. As cars age their paint starts to dull, fade, and crack. This can be especially troublesome as some colors of paint might be hard if not impossible to find to fix any paint issues.

Conclusion

Owning a vintage car can be a great way to share your passion with the world. However, it requires a lot more than keeping it in a garage and bringing it out once in a while to show off. Making sure that it is in decent shape both mechanically as well as aesthetically is a big part of it. Additionally, owning a vintage car necessitates a different kind of regular maintenance, unlike a standard car. Once it’s all said and done owning a vintage car can be very rewarding, as long as you keep these things in mind.

Owning an old car can be an enjoyable hobby. It’s both unique, eye catching, and fun to own. However, as with anything owning an old car requires a lot more commitment and diligence than with a regular or newer car. That doesn’t mean owning an old car isn’t rewarding but not for the faint of heart.

100,000 miles and going

Most people consider a car old once it gets close to the dreaded 75,000 mark. While the bluebook value of your car may drop that doesn’t mean it isn’t still valuable. While most people consider a car just a means to an end, holding onto requires more than just a casual glance and a trip to the mechanic once in a while. As a car gets older and starts putting on more miles certain parts will eventually need to be replaced no matter how good of a condition you keep it; thinks like axels, hoses, cylinders, and in some cases the entire engine. Also a lot depends on the manufacturer and model of the car. Some cars age better than others.

Maintenance routine

Having a regular maintenance routine for your car is a great way to keep it running longer and keeping repairs less expensive. However, with an older car increasing the frequency of the routine is one of the best ways to keep your car on the road. As mentioned above once a car gets older, certain parts are bound to need repair. This plus certain makes and models are prone to certain problems. Knowing what to look for and when can extend the life of your car indefinitely.

Finding parts

One of the toughest parts of maintaining an old car is finding parts to replace the ones that break or are going bad. This is especially true of the older, more exotic cars. While some parts are easy to replace and interchangeable, other parts might not be. This is why if you know your car is prone to having a specific part break, having extra’s on hand can cut down on the cost for a replacement while eliminating the potential scavenger hunt to find it.

Conclusion

Having an old car might seem counter-intuitive to many people but cars like people serve a purpose. Whether it’s getting us around, going on trips with the family or carting us off after the wedding. These special moments we share with our cars. Why wouldn’t we want them to stick around a little bit more?

When buying a used car, whether it’s from a dealership or sold by the owner, taking some precautions can help you avoid potential trouble with the vehicle. Buying a new car can be stressful at best and no more so when buying a previously owned vehicle. Much like buying a house, knowing the history can make a huge difference when deciding which car to buy.

Dealerships

Getting a used car from a dealership is often considered a safer bet compared to other options but as the phrase goes “Buyer beware.” While most dealerships generally have a level of quality that they hold too but that doesn’t mean every one of them does. One thing to keep in mind with dealerships is that most of the salesmen work on commission. This means that they are very inclined to try and get you to buy a car from them. Most salesmen will offer a number of incentives and deals for buying a car from them while others will promise extra features and tack on the costs for them during the signing. Additionally many salesmen employ a number of manipulative tactics to boost the price of the car before signing.

Previous owners

Buying a car from a previous owner has its own advantages and disadvantages as well. For instance, the car could need major repairs increasing the overall cost of purchasing the car. Like the car salesmen mentioned above, most owners are honest and forthcoming with information but that doesn’t mean all of them will be. One of the best ways to avoid a potential scam is to inspect the car both yourself and have a licensed and reputable mechanic check it out first. This way you get a firsthand knowledge of the condition of the car and how honest the seller is. This may be hard to do if purchasing a car though an online posting, but most online sellers frequently answer questions and post multiple pictures along with all relevant information.

Conclusion

Getting a used car is often a far cheaper and easier way to get a car. Many states have specific laws regarding the fraudulent selling of a used car but this doesn’t mean that are completely safe. Whether you buy from a dealership or from a private owner, know exactly what you are purchasing. Some key items to note are:

• Total mileage

• Any major accidents and/or insurance claims made on the car

• Who was driving it prior

• How many owners has it had

• What is the overall physical condition of the car

• If purchasing from a dealership what warranty’s or extra incentives do they offer for purchasing a car

By doing your homework you can avoid going home with a junker instead of the car you need.

Getting rid of an older, no longer needed vehicle requires a lot more than just throwing a for sale sign in the window. Making sure your car is in ready to be sold will help you get a better price for your vehicle as well as make it more likely to be sold.

Road worthy

Whether you are selling a car to get rid of an extra vehicle that you don’t need, looking to upgrade and want a few more bucks towards a new car, or whatever reason you may have; making sure your car is in good condition prior is hugely beneficial. Having your car in decent condition will allow you to get a better price for your car as well as increases the likely hood that it will be sold quickly.

Advertising

You won’t be able to sell your car quickly unless people know about it. Having your car listed in local newspapers, on auto sale websites, etc. will boost the exposure of your sale. Additionally when selling your car this way make sure you include several photos and give as many details about the car as possible. Everything from the color, to any accidents it might have had, to the last time it was inspected. All of this informs potential buyers that you have nothing to hide with the car as well as shows you take good care of the vehicle.

Selling online

Another way to sell your car is to list it on some of the various online car selling websites. Similar to advertising, making sure that all of the relevant information is included along with various pictures of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. This will eliminate a lot of the common questions that might be asked as well as increase the chances of your car being sold.

Conclusion

Selling your car might seem like more of a hassle than it’s worth but with just a few simple things to keep in mind you can ensure that you get the price you ask for as well as a speedy sale. Some of these key points to remember are:

• Make sure the car is inspected and all repairs are done before selling it

• Take lots of pictures of the exterior as well as the interior for any advertisements or online postings.

• When listing your car for advertisement or online sale include as many details about the car as possible. This will show confidence in your ability to take care of the car prior to the sale

Buying a used car is something most of us have done or will do at some point in our life. Whether it’s our first car in high school or a replacement for an old one that bit the dust, used cars come in handy. Of course, as with owning any car having the right insurance is just as important as finding the right car

Used Cars

There are a few things that one has to consider when buying a used car. When buying from a dealer, generally you can expect a better quality and more confidence in your purchase. This isn’t to say that buying a car from an owner directly isn’t an option but a lot more homework is required. For example, a history of any major repairs, accident reports, the last time the vehicle received a scheduled checkup, etc are good information regardless of who you are buying the car from. However, a dealership will have better access to this information than a direct owner might.

Car insurance

Not all car insurance is created equally. Having car insurance for a newer car vs a used car are two different policies. For new cars most dealerships offer a manufactures warranty on the vehicle up to a set window of time and/or miles driven. This helps keep the insurance rates down as any major issue most of it could very well fall under this warranty meaning the insurance company does not have to run the risk of having to pay. For a used car, a warranty isn’t always a given from the dealership which is why the insurance will generally be far greater for a used car than a new car. Additionally you might need more protection with a used car than a new one. Such as window replacement, towing coverage, along with other possible amenities. All of this increases your overall insurance for the vehicle.

Some great links to read more about car insurance are:

Bilforsikring (In Danish) – You can use Google Translate. It works fine

Conclusion

While buying a used car will typically be far cheaper than buying new, there are some pitfalls to beware of. Additionally knowing your state and federal laws regarding the sale of used cars can help you avoid potential scams or false sales. In this day and age owning a car is practically a necessity especially for certain parts of the country. For this reason having the proper insurance for your car will protect you and your family as well as add some extra piece of mind with owning and operating your car.